Chiropractors
Assess, treat, and care for patients by manipulation of spine and musculoskeletal system. May provide spinal adjustment or address sacral or pelvic misalignment.
Also called: Chiropractic Associate, Chiropractic Doctor (DC), Chiropractic Neurologist, Chiropractic Physician
Median pay
$79,200
per year, U.S.
Pay range (10th–90th)
$43,460 – $146,080
People employed
39,630
Holland code
SRI
Social · Realistic · Investigative
Updated October 2026 · Data: O*NET 31.0 and BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
Is this career right for you?
These are the things that stand out in this job compared with other U.S. jobs (O*NET 31.0 work context). Answer honestly.
- 1.Do you prefer working indoors?
- 2.Do you want a lot of freedom to make your own decisions?
- 3.Do you want the same hours every week?
- 4.Do you enjoy serving customers or the public?
- 5.Are you OK repeating the same tasks most of the day?
- 6.Are you happy talking and working with people most of the day?
- 7.Do you prefer doing your own work rather than directing others?
- 8.Do you prefer a steady pace without constant deadlines?
The hard parts
- Mistakes can have serious consequences
- Long hours on your feet
Chiropractors pay by state
Highest-paying states
Annual median pay by state (48 states with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
What chiropractors do
- 01Perform a series of manual adjustments to the spine or other articulations of the body to correct the musculoskeletal system.
- 02Obtain and record patients' medical histories.
- 03Diagnose health problems by reviewing patients' health and medical histories, questioning, observing, and examining patients and interpreting x-rays.
- 04Evaluate the functioning of the neuromuscularskeletal system and the spine using systems of chiropractic diagnosis.
- 05Maintain accurate case histories of patients.
- 06Consult with or refer patients to appropriate health practitioners when necessary.
Skills that matter most
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Reading Comprehension
- Critical Thinking
- Writing
- Active Learning
Knowledge
- Medicine and Dentistry
- Customer and Personal Service
- Biology
- Therapy and Counseling
- Administration and Management
Work styles that stand out
- Dependability
- Attention to Detail
- Integrity
- Cautiousness
- Cooperation
Education and first steps
Share of workers by required education, as reported to O*NET.
How people get started
- Usually needs a graduate degree (O*NET Job Zone 5).
- Related work experience: over 2 years, up to and including 4 years.
- On-the-job training: over 6 months, up to and including 1 year.
- A professional certification is often expected.
Most common answers from O*NET 31.0 Education, Training and Experience.
Interest fit (Holland code)
O*NET occupational interest scores, scale 1–7. Take the Free Career Test to compare with your own.
Career changes
Change from chiropractors
- Midwives76% · group pay
- Athletic Trainers73% · −21%
- Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary73% · +35%
- Nursing Instructors and Teachers, Postsecondary72% · +1%
- Orthotists and Prosthetists70% · +2%
Majors that lead here
- Chiropractic
From the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk.